What's so special about a $2,000 mint julep at the Kentucky Derby?

10:26 AM,
May 3, 2014

Patrons drink mint juleps as they stand on a balcony before the 2014 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs.

Written by

Gary Mihoces
USA TODAY

Beth Sweeney, TV co-anchor with WFIE of Evansville, Ind., will end her streak this year of sipping at least one mint julep at every Kentucky Derby she attends. She'll abstain because she is expecting a child.

"I'm a born and bred Kentuckian, so I grew up going to the Derby every year. And, of course, when I was of age, that's the first thing that I ordered when I came to Churchill Downs," Sweeney said Friday morning from beneath a wide-brimmed, pink Derby hat.

"I've had one every year for as many years as I can count. ? I'm due June 8, so I'm counting down the days until I can enjoy something else like a mint ...